Economic Development Project Manager - Richland County
Lisa Duckworth Director of Programs & Events
Angie Fanello
Member Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator
Kathy Fox Front Office Coordinator
Clint Knight Director of Workforce Development/Area
10 Workforce Dev. Board Administrative Director
Jill Gantt Workforce Development Coordinator
Evan Stuart
Marketing & Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Barrett Thomas Senior Economic Development Director
Tom Vanderhorst Finance Specialist
Jennifer Wagner Director of Member Services
Yvonne Smith
Member Services & Front Office Coordinator
Jeff Parton
Economic & Community Development Director
Momentum Across Richland County
Jessica Gribben, OhioCED President & CEO
As we move into the heart of summer, there is a tremendous amount of positive momentum happening across Richland County.
From new investments and redevelopment projects to community celebrations and events, the energy across our communities is undeniable. One recent milestone worth celebrating is the progress of the Buc-ee’s project. Congratulations to our partners in Mansfield, Madison and Mifflin townships as well as county officials who have worked diligently to move this transformational opportunity forward. Projects of this scale require vision, persistence, and collaboration, and they represent the kind of investment that can have a lasting impact on our county.
We also look forward to gathering at the former Westinghouse site for the WestingHOUSE Party to celebrate the successful completion of another significant public-private partnership. This project stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to work together toward a common goal.
Beyond these major developments, summer brings countless opportunities to connect and celebrate. From festivals, concerts, and community events to business gatherings and family activities, there is no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy all that Richland County has to offer.
While every community has its challenges, it is important to pause and recognize the progress being made. The investments, partnerships, and community spirit we are seeing today are helping build a stronger future for tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of that momentum. We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer and continuing the important work of making Richland County an even better place to live, work, and invest.
Warmly,
Jessica Gribben, OhioCED President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development
55 N. Mulberry St.
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 522-3211
info@richlandareachamber.com
JUNE SCHEDULE
MECHANICS BANK | 2 S. MAIN STREET | MANSFIELD LIVE PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD 11:30 A.M.– 1:30 P.M.
JUNE 12
Kimberly Robles Mr. Bill’s Wood Fired Pizza*
JUNE 26
Milo’s Music What in the World*
In the event of inclement weather, visit MyMechanics.com/LiveatLunch for updates. *Food truck items available for purchase
2026 SUMMER COURTYARD SERIES
Big health bene ts for small businesses
You put everything you have into your business. And we put everything into creating high-quality health insurance plans for you and your employees. We've partnered with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) to offer a unique bene t option for small businesses like yours. The COSE Benefit Plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) that allows businesses of 1–50 to experience rate stability, savings and the same great health benefits that large corporations have. Bundle your health plan with our dental, vision or life plans for a fully integrated bene ts package.
Contact your broker | COSEBene tPlan.com
BOOST & EXCEL
City of Mansfield Goyal Industries Graham Auto Mall Ontario Center LLC
BUILD & GROW
Akron Children’s Hospital
Crestwood Care Center
D A International Casting Co., Wine Railcar Products
Dairy Queen East
Jamison Well Drilling Inc.
ENGAGE & CONNECT
ADM Benefit Plans Agency
Mansfield Distributing Company
Mansfield Engineered Components
Mansfield Motor Group
MinuteMen Ohio Comp
Rinehardt Injury Attorneys
Affiliated Appraisal & Consulting Group
All Glass Systems
American Homestead Exteriors
Appleseed Realty DBA Appraisal Services
North Central Ohio
Blue Door Development
Buckeye Imagination Museum
Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo
Crafty Clutter Inc
Cypress Laundry
D & W Auto Glass
Daisy Capital LTD
East of Chicago Pizza
Hales Sport Center Inc
Haring Realty
Health Insurance Options, LLC
Henry’s Key & Lock Shop
Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio
Interstate Battery of NCO
JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Mid Ohio
Lexington Local Schools
Link’s Country Meats, Inc.
Specialized Pipe Technologies
The Real Deal Group – RE/MAX
First Realty
The Vault Wine Bar
Travelodge
Marvin Memorial Library
Meade Construction Inc.
Miss Ohio Scholarship Program
Monstervox Productions LLC
North Central Ohio Sertoma Club
Northwestern Mutual
Pauley Insurance Agency – State Farm
Platinum Family Wealth
Prima Visual Media
RLB CPAs, Inc
Rosi C Ranch
Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service
Specialized Switchgear Solutions, LLC
Steven P Curry Financial Services Inc
Techman Sales Inc
The National Lime & Stone Company
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Vitality Natural Wellness and MedSpa
Whatman Hardwoods Inc
Whitcomb & Hess CPAs & Financial Advisors
Wilson Family Realty
Winchester Terrace Skilled Nursing Center
Yummy Treats Candy and More
Interested
Contact Jennifer at (419) 522-3211, or jwagner@richlandareachamber.com
LeaderRichland
Destination Mansfield Annual Meeting
Lind Media BAH
Chamber Night at the Ballpark
MAY RIBBON CUTTINGS
Richland County Transit
Launch of RCT Flex Extended Service
Mansfield-Richland Co. Public Library Unveiling of new Creation Lab and renovated Learning Lab
OhioHealth Ontario Medical Campus Groundbreaking OhioHealth/Nationwide Children’s Hospital outpatient facility
PREMIUM INSTALLMENTS AND TRUE-UP REPORTING FOR OHIO PRIVATE EMPLOYERS
To maintain workers’ compensation coverage with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), employers must make premium payments on time. Throughout the policy year, premiums are paid in installments based on estimated payroll. As the 2025 policy year (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) comes to a close, employers will be required to complete a payroll reconciliation, or “true-up,” comparing estimated payroll to actual payroll.
BWC mailed 2026 estimated premium notices and installment schedules in early May. Employers expecting payroll changes should contact BWC to adjust their estimates. Timely installment payments are critical, as missed payments may result in a lapse of coverage. Employers who pay their entire 2026 premium by the June due date may qualify for a 2% Early Payment Discount.
True-up notices will be mailed around July 1, 2026, with reporting and any additional premium due by August 31, 2026. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the loss of eligibility for discount and rebate programs. For questions, contact Sedgwick program manager Dave Deyo at david.deyo@sedgwick.com
Here’s a promise: we’re wholeheartedly here for you. Because Mechanics is always your neighbor, always your go-to financial expert, and—of course—always your bank.
UPCOMING EVENTS
RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESENTS
SECOND CHANCES, STRONGER COMMUNITIES.
A Morning with Damon West
National Speaker & Author of “Be a Coffee Bean”
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 9:00 – 10:30 AM EDT Historic Ohio State Reformatory
. National Speaker & Author of “Be a Coffee Bean”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Damon West is an internationally known keynote speaker, 4-time bestselling author, and former crime boss in Dallas who was sentenced to life in prison for organized crime. USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and the most in-demand speaker in America.” After a spiritual awakening during incarceration, Damon emerged from over seven years in prison a changed man. His story is one of hope, redemption, grit, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Damon West is an internationally known keynote speaker, 4-time bestselling author, and former crime boss in Dallas who was sentenced to life in prison for organized crime. USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and the most in-demand speaker in America.” After a spiritual awakening during incarceration, Damon emerged from over seven years in prison a changed man. His story is one of hope, redemption, grit, and the resilience of the human spirit.
REGISTER NOW
Purchase a ticket and receive a FREE copy of Be a Coffee Bean! Wednesday, August 5,
The World Is a Pot of Boiling Water. You Have 3 Choices:
THE CARROT Goes in strong, comes out soft and weak.
THE WORLD IS A POT OF BOILING WATER. YOU HAVE 3 CHOICES:
THE CARROT
Goes in strong, comes out soft and weak
THE EGG
THE EGG Goes in soft, comes out hard and mean.
Goes in soft, comes out hard and mean
THE COFFEE BEAN
THE COFFEE BEAN Changes the water around it — positive impact.
Changes the water around it positive impact
BE THE COFFEE BEAN.
BE THE COFFEE BEAN.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PLATINUM $5,000
• 8 tickets to the event
• Opportunity to address the audience for 1 minute
• Business logo on all event advertising (large)
• Business logo on our event webpage
• Business logo in Chamber Newsletter
• Business logo on social media posts
• Business logo on membership emails advertising the event
• Table sign with corporate logo
• Verbal recognition from the podium at the event
SILVER $1,000
• 4 tickets to the event
• Business name on all event advertising
• Business name on our event webpage
• Business logo in Chamber Newsletter
• Business name on membership emails advertising the event
• Verbal recognition from the podium at the event
Interested in sponsoring ? Contact Lisa Duckworth: lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com
GOLD $2,500
• 6 tickets to the event
• Business logo on all event advertising (medium)
• Business logo on our event webpage
• Business logo in Chamber Newsletter
• Business logo on social media posts
• Business logo on membership emails advertising the event
• Table sign with corporate logo
• Verbal recognition from the podium at the event
BRONZE $500
• 2 tickets to the event
• Business name on our event webpage
• Business name in Chamber Newsletter
• Verbal recognition from the podium at the event
Don’ t let mosquitoes Don’ t let mosquitoes ruin your summer ruin your summer t
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
06/11/26
Leadership Unlimited Alumni Dinner & Class of 2026 Commencement, DLX, 5:30-7:30pm
06/15/26
Chamber Golf Classic, Westbrook Country Club
06/17/26
Women’s Leadership Connection – The Power of You:
Women Doing Good, DLX, 11:45am-1:00pm
06/18/26
Business After Hours, Charles Mill Marina, 4:00-6:00pm
06/25/26
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Directions Credit Union, The Blueberry Patch, 8-9am
08/05/26
Second Chances. Stronger Communities. A Morning with Damon West, Historic Ohio State Reformatory, 9am-10:30am
10/22/26
Savor & Sip, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 5-7:30pm
12/08/26
Small Business of the Year Awards, Kehoe Center, 11:30am-1:30pm
Register for these events HERE or visit our event calendar at richlandareachamber.com
